Harare Woman Jailed 10 Years Over Scrap Copper Valued At US$33

A 44-year-old Harare woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Mbare Magistrates’ Court after she was caught trying to sell scrap copper valued at US$33.

According to a bulletin from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), police detectives received information on 1 March 2026 that the offender, Success Kudyarawanza, was transporting scrap copper from Glendale to Harare with the intention of selling it.

Acting on the tip-off, detectives conducted surveillance at Gazaland Scrap Yard in Highfields, Harare, where a DAF 10-tonne truck was seen arriving and offloading cargo.

Kudyarawanza was spotted disembarking from the front passenger seat, carrying a white sack. Detectives approached her, conducted a search, and recovered 7 kg of scrap copper wires valued at US$33.56.

The offender was unable to produce a certificate authorising her to possess or trade in copper and was arrested.

In Zimbabwe, copper-related offences often carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years under the Copper Control Act, which explains why the Mbare Magistrates’ Court handed down the “harsh” sentence.

The NPA stressed that these offences are treated with the utmost seriousness because they affect national infrastructure and economic stability.

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